ALBANY, GA (WALB) - A birthday party in Albany today had more than the average number of guests.

Hundreds of people were at the Albany Civic Center for Albany Technical Colleges 50th birthday party.

It included performances by the Marine Corps Logistics Base Band and a keynote address by General Willie Williams, the former commander of the base.

After the ceremony, the guests were invited back to the college for a luncheon.

The president says the school's growth should continue into the future.

Dr. Anthony Parker, the President of Albany Technical College said, "in the near future, as we transition to semesters we're hoping to grow to 5000 students, that we increase our graduation rate about 15% a year and to better.>

Dr. Parker says the skills being taught by technical colleges around the state are paving the way for a better future for all Georgians.

The streets of Thomasville were a lot quieter on Thursday evening. But protesters broke the silence in downtown Thomasville Thursday afternoon, taking to the streets to vocalize their feelings following a deputy involved shooting on Tuesday.

The streets of Thomasville were a lot quieter on Thursday evening. But protesters broke the silence in downtown Thomasville Thursday afternoon, taking to the streets to vocalize their feelings following a deputy involved shooting on Tuesday.